Tony Soter's Cabernet Sauvignon has been a model of consistency. The awesomely rich 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon is another spectacular example of this splendid vintage. It possesses an opaque purple color, a wonderful sweetness, full body, and layers of cedary, mineral, and spice-tinged black berry and cassis fruit. Although there is a boatload of tannin, it is sweet and well-integrated. The finish lasts for nearly 30 seconds. This dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon gets my vote as the finest Cabernet Sauvignon Tony Soter has yet made at Etude. As insiders know, these wines are the handcrafted products of one of California's most influential and successful winemakers/consultants, Tony Soter. Soter has a superb list of clients, including Araujo Estate, Dalla Valle, and Viader. His own wines are also brilliant, and in 1997, his portfolio will include a Pinot Noir produced from his first vineyard - in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Tel. (707) 257-5300; Fax (707) 257-6022

Deliciously complex, rich and concentrated, with tiers of ripe currant, blackberry, black cherry, wild berry and spice. Sharply focused and deftly balanced, the tannins are ripe and chewy, but it finishes with a long, tasty aftertaste.--California Cabernet '74/'84/'94 retrospective. Drink now through 2010. 1,500 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Napa / Napa Valley Select to Add